Ford Motor plans to integrate a new artificial intelligence assistant across Ford and Lincoln vehicles by 2027, expanding the role of AI in infotainment and vehicle-related tasks as automakers increasingly compete on software-driven features.
The system, referred to by the company as Ford AI, is designed to function as an “intelligent thread” rather than a standalone voice assistant, according to Ford. The company said the technology will be capable of understanding the specific vehicle it is embedded in and adapting to individual owner preferences, enabling a more personalized driving and ownership experience.
See also: Ford Motor Targets 2028 Launch for Level 3 Hands- and Eyes-Off Driving System
One example demonstrated by Ford Motor shows the AI estimating how much firewood can be loaded into a pickup truck bed based on a photograph, factoring in bed dimensions, volume and tie-down layouts. The feature can be accessed remotely through the Ford or Lincoln smartphone app, allowing users to perform tasks without being inside the vehicle.
The AI assistant is scheduled to debut in the Ford and Lincoln apps during the first half of 2026, with Ford projecting availability to more than eight million customers. While details on in-vehicle functionality remain limited, the automaker has indicated that the system will eventually provide real-time assistance such as alerting drivers to obstacles ahead. Ford is also developing a separate AI assistant tailored for commercial customers, though specifics have not been disclosed.
See also: Ford U.S. EV Sales Fall 52% in Q4 2025 as Full-Year Deliveries Drop 14% Despite Record Hybrid Growth
By 2027, the AI assistant is expected to be embedded directly into Ford and Lincoln vehicles, moving beyond smartphone mirroring to deliver what the company describes as deeper intelligence integrated into the driving experience. Ford said the initiative is separate from the planned introduction of Gemini AI features, which are also expected to appear in Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
The move reflects broader efforts across the automotive industry to differentiate vehicles through software and AI capabilities, as manufacturers seek new revenue streams and stronger customer engagement beyond traditional hardware.